When Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1932, Morenos’ Cabins had already welcomed guests to the Adirondacks for nearly a decade. Almost 100 years later, athletes still come to the mountains to test their mettle at events like the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon.
Tin Man History
The Tinman began in 1983 with just 68 competitors lining up at the starting line. Today, the race welcomes about 700 racers each year and is one of the oldest triathlons in the U.S. The idea behind beginning the race back in 1983 was to create a community event that had the potential to become an annual tradition. Forty-two years later, the race is part of Tupper Lake’s DNA. With over 400 local volunteers supporting the event each year, the Tinman is a big part of the summer Adirondack experience and has been described by many people as a challenging race with a small-town feel.
About the Race
The Tinman starts and finishes in Tupper Lake Municipal Park, and its mountain course for bikes and runs provides a scenic background for very demanding race. The Tupper Lake Tinman is a shorter version of the Ironman, with roughly half the mileage for each leg of the race. It’s a great warm-up for July’s Lake Placid Ironman and the perfect competition for seasoned racers and first-time triathletes. Sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the Tinman is one of the most popular races in northern New York.
There are five races to choose from:
- The Tinman: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run.
- Aquabike: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike.
- Team Relay: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run.
- Olympic: 0.94-mile swim, 24-mile bike, 6.2-mile run.
- Sprint: 0.6-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike, 3.1-mile run.
Whether swimming, running, or biking, racers enjoy the beautiful Adirondack landscape surrounding Tupper Lake.
Tupper Lake is a Great Spot
It’s a straight, 25-minute drive down State Rte. 3W to the starting line at Tupper Lake Municipal Park from Moreno’s Cabins. Even if you’re not competing, the Tin Man is always looking for volunteers so you can help make the race a winner.
But in addition to the triathlon, Tupper Lake offers a wide variety of attractions, restaurants, and exciting events. Whether you want to relax lakeside, take a scenic hike, browse the charming shops, or eat at a great restaurant (or all of these) Tupper Lake has something for everyone. It’s worth a visit no matter what time of year you make the trip.
For many years, Moreno’s has provided the perfect home base for Tin Man competitors, spectators, and volunteers for many years. Our location is just minutes from Tupper Lake, and all our guests enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the pines whether they’re bouncing back from a race or just getting away from it all for a few days. Get a head start by making your reservation today.